Get Back to Work Fast in Pennsylvania’s High-Growth Industries

When Robert Miller was laid off last July from his electronics manufacturing job, he turned to Bucks County Community College to get back on track. Thanks to JobTrakPA, his tuition is covered by a grant as he earns a certificate for advanced manufacturing and logistics.

“The program is a huge help, because my unemployment insurance is barely enough to get my bills paid,” explains the 45-year-old Levittown resident. “If I had to pay out-of-pocket for this training, I’d be more in debt and it would take longer to get back on my feet again.”

Miller (pictured, left) says he’s able to continue his job search full time during the day while taking courses two nights a week and online. “I like the interactive, online training, and that you can go at your own pace,” added Miller.

When he finishes the program, Miller will be eligible to earn the industry certification for PLC, or Programmable Logic Controller, which will make him more hirable for advanced manufacturing positions. In fact, the Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Boards project there will be 4,800 openings in advanced manufacturing in the coming years.

JobTrakPA courses, offered at all 14 of the keystone state’s community colleges, are designed to retrain and upgrade skills to meet a critical shortage of qualified workers to fill available job openings in Pennsylvania’s high-growth industries.

In addition to advanced manufacturing and logistics, Bucks County Community College offers training for health information technologies, and energy distribution, production, and conservation through JobTrakPA. It’s estimated that by 2016, there will be more than 9,000 job openings in health information technologies and 32,000 openings in energy-related fields in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

What’s more, each student is assigned a career coach dedicated to his or her success throughout the training process. The coaches provide personalized help with the intake process, training, resume writing, job-search techniques, and locating potential employers.

JobTrakPA is funded by a $20-million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the federal government’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training program, or TAACCCT. The grant is shared by all 14 community colleges in Pennsylvania, each of which is offering programs unique to regional employment needs.